A good follow-up is tied to the conversation, not to a request. Send a short thank-you, mention one thing you found useful, and then only reach out again when you have a genuine update or relevant question.

You do not need a fixed monthly cadence. If you apply to the person's firm, receive an interview, or act on advice they gave you, those are natural reasons to reconnect.

The relationship feels transactional when every message asks for something. Sharing a brief update and showing that you listened to their advice is often enough to keep the connection warm. If useful, this guide on consulting coffee-chat questions gives more detail.